POCOMOKE CITY, Md. - According to the Pocomoke City Police Department, Chief Arthur "Rudy" Hancock announced his upcoming retirement earlier this month after over 33 years of service.
Chief Hancock started his career as a volunteer police cadet at the Crisfield Police Department in 1992. In 1993, he moved to the Somerset County Detention Center where he began his career in corrections. During his tenure there, Chief Hancock reached the rank of Sergeant and served as the department's training coordinator.
Pocomoke City PD say Chief Hancock returned to Crisfield in 2004 as an officer with the Crisfield Police Department. There he reached the rank of 1st Sergeant and served as the department's acting Police Chief for several months.
Chief Hancock also spent time with the Fruitland Police Department and the UMES Police Department. He began his time with the Pocomoke City Police Department in 2013. Chief Hancock served as the department's patrol commander as a Lieutenant for over 6 years before his promotion to Chief of Police in 2021.
Pocomoke City PD says Chief Hancock was instrumental in several improvements to the department, including salary increases, modernized equipment, newer vehicles, and a stable work environment.
Chief Hancock says he wants to extend his thanks to various friends, officers, and department leaders that have supported him throughout his career as well the Pocomoke City Mayor, Council, and City Manager. He also thanks his family and his wife Shirl for their support.
"I would have never been able to accomplish many milestones, without each and every one of you, we are a team and did things together," Chief Hancock said to the men and women of the Pocomoke City Police Department. "Every dispatcher, every officer, thank you."
According to the department, Chief Hancock is looking forward to embracing his next career challenge with Benelli USA and will effectively retire on September 1, 2026.
